Games Furniture To Benefit Families

30 June 2014, 05:47

Furniture used by some of the world's top athletes during the Commonwealth Games is to be distributed to vulnerable families in Glasgow at the end of the event.

Wardrobes, beds, sofas, lamps and other pieces from the Athletes' Village in Dalmarnock will be handed over to Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) and passed on to people and charities helping to furnish homes.

There are around 36,000 items to be distributed after the games, some of which will have been used by the likes of Sir Bradley Wiggins, Mo Farah, Eilidh Child and possibly Usain Bolt.

Some of the furniture was previously used at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and was relocated for use in Glasgow alongside newly-manufactured items such as folding chairs and tables.

The plan to pass them on to GHA is part of the legacy programme from Glasgow 2014.

Around 700 houses in the Athletes' Village will be sold or rented after the Games, and a new 120-bed care home for the elderly will also be established on the site.

Glasgow 2014 chief executive David Grevemberg said: "It's fantastic that the furniture used by the athletes and officials during the Games this summer is going to be distributed to families in need in Glasgow.

"Sustainability is very high on Glasgow 2014's agenda and this is a tangible benefit from the Games to the great people of this city, following the excitement of the sporting events themselves.''

Twelve new training positions at GHA will be created to move and refurbish furniture items.

Olga Clayton, director at Wheatley Group, which runs GHA, said: "We're delighted to support the Commonwealth Games coming to Glasgow and to do our bit to provide a lasting legacy for the people of this city.

"We know many people are finding it difficult financially in these tough times. This project will make a big difference to thousands of adults, families and groups who need help to make their house a home.''